Richmond Region Weather

Video: Leopard flies from tree to ambush antelope

Leopards may not get the same amount of media coverage as lions or cheetahs, but there is a reason that safari hunters consider it the most wily of Africa’s Big Five game animals. Less than half the size of an adult lion, leopards are built lean and primed for the hunt. In this video taken in a Zambian national park, a leopard waits patiently on a tree limb while a group of antelope huddle below.

“That [leopard] can fly from where he’s there,” said a voice on the video, pointing out the leopard in the tree.

Even though you know the predator is present, the cover of the leaves in combination with the leopard’s natural camouflage make it nearly impossible to pick out. The same seems to hold true for the antelope as they forage while oblivious to the danger. If you aren’t as patient as the leopard, jump ahead to 2:22 when the ambush begins. One of the antelope notices the cat and quickly darts away without notifying the others. At this point the three remaining antelope become alert, but are not certain which direction the threat is coming from.